Driven post barrier wall

ABSTRACT

A barrier wall includes a panel positioned between a first post and a second post. The first and second posts driven into a supporting substrate by resonant sonic drilling. The first post and the second post each including an I-beam shape having opposed parallel flanges separated by a web, and an additional flange extending from the web intermediate the opposed parallel flanges to define a slot between the additional flange and one of the opposed parallel flanges. The panel is positioned between the first post and the second post, with the first edge of the panel received in the slot of the first post and the second edge of the panel received in the slot of the second post.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/630,004, filed 13 Feb. 2018.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to barrier walls.

More particularly, the present invention relates to barrier walls using driven posts to support panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the present usage, the term “barrier wall” is intended to include structures used to separate areas on opposing sides thereof. Walls can include a base such as a concrete footing upon which concrete, brick, blocks, stone, wood and the like can be supported. Another type of wall can include columns, posts or pillars vertically embedded into the ground and fixed using concrete around the base or supported by a base footing. A wall structure is then built between pillars, columns or posts and anchored thereto. In each of these instances, using footings to support a wall or embedding posts and the like, anchored with concrete, requires a great deal of labor and expense to simply prepare for building the actual wall. Footings require digging an appropriate depth channel, placement of forms to retain the footing material until dry and then removal of the forms after an extensive period of time to allow the footing material to set. These same general steps are also required for placement of posts, columns or pillars and the like. Posts require a hole to be dug, the post inserted the desired depth and then back filled or filled with concrete or the like, to fix the post rigidly in position. This all occurs before the actual wall is built.

The material of the actual walls often consists of discrete units such as bricks, blocks, stone and the like, fitted together and held by mortar, concrete and the like. While these walls can be quite strong, the often have irregular surface which can facilitate unwanted activities such as climbing. Walls are often smoothed by applying an outer layer such as stucco. This adds to the labor and cost involved. To overcome these issues, concrete slabs can be poured to provide a strong smooth panel. However, these slabs can be difficult to position, are prone to cracking and are again time consuming and costly. Attachment of these various walls to columns or posts to provide stability and strength, can be difficult, requiring positioning of brackets, bolts, fasteners of various types and the like.

It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a wall structure and method of constructing a wall structure that avoids these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, to achieve the desired objects and advantages of the instant invention provided is a barrier wall having a panel with a width extending between a first edge and a second edge. Also provided is a first post driven into a supporting substrate by resonant sonic drilling, and a second post driven into the supporting substrate by resonant sonic drilling. The second post is spaced apart from the first post by the width of the panel. The first post and the second post each including an I-beam shape having opposed parallel flanges separated by a web, and an additional flange extending from the web intermediate the opposed parallel flanges to define a slot between the additional flange and one of the opposed parallel flanges. The panel is positioned between the first post and the second post, with the first edge of the panel received in the slot of the first post and the second edge of the panel received in the slot of the second post.

In another aspect, the barrier wall includes a second panel having a width extending between a first edge and a second edge and a third post driven into the supporting substrate by resonant sonic drilling. The third post is spaced apart from one of the first post and the second post by the width of the second panel. The second panel is positioned between the third post and one of the first post and the second post, with the first edge of the second panel received in the slot of the one of the first post and the second post and the second edge of the panel received in the slot of the third post.

In another aspect, provided is a barrier wall including a plurality of panels each having a width extending between a first edge and a second edge, and a thickness. Also provided are a plurality of posts driven into a supporting substrate by resonant sonic drilling, adjacent ones of each of the plurality of posts separated by the width. The plurality of posts extends along a boundary to be protected. Each of the plurality of posts include an I-beam shape having opposed parallel flanges separated by a web, and an additional flange extending from the web intermediate the opposed parallel flanges to define a slot between the additional flange and one of the opposed parallel flanges. The plurality of panels is positioned between the plurality of posts, with each of the plurality of panels positioned between different pairs of adjacent posts of the plurality of posts, with the first edge of each of the plurality of panels received in the slot of one of the plurality of posts and the second edge of each of the plurality of panels received in the slot of an adjacent one of the plurality of posts.

Also provided is a method of constructing a barrier wall including the steps of providing a panel having a width extending between a first edge and a second edge, providing a first post including an I-beam shape having opposed parallel flanges separated by a web, and an additional flange extending from the web intermediate the opposed parallel flanges to define a slot between the additional flange and one of the opposed parallel flanges, and providing a second post including an I-beam shape having opposed parallel flanges separated by a web, and an additional flange extending from the web intermediate the opposed parallel flanges to define a slot between the additional flange and one of the opposed parallel flanges. Steps further include driving the first post into the supporting substrate using resonant sonic drilling, and driving a second post into the supporting substrate using resonant sonic drilling. The second post is spaced apart from the first post by the width of the panel, and with the slot of the first post aligned with the slot of the second post. The panel is lifted to raise a lower edge of the panel above the first post and the second post and lowered with the first edge of the panel received in the slot of the first post and the second edge of the panel received in the slot of the second post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific objects and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an expanse of barrier wall according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a section of barrier wall according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of the barrier wall showing the engagement between driven posts and panels; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the cross-section of another embodiment of a post.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning now to the drawings in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is directed to FIG. 1 which illustrates a barrier wall generally designated 10. Barrier wall 10 can be used in many situations to prevent access by unauthorized personnel to areas beyond the barrier wall. As an example, barrier wall 10 would be ideal for use as a border wall to prevent unauthorized migration across a border. Barrier wall 10 can also be used to encircle installations and the like. Barrier wall 10 includes a plurality of driven posts 12 having a buried portion 14 (indicated by broken lines) driven into a substrate such as ground 16, and a plurality of panels 18 positioned between and retained by driven posts 12. It will be understood that the substrate through which post 12 is driven, can include substantially any substrate such as concrete, pavement, dirt, clay, gravel, and the like.

Barrier wall 10 includes a plurality of driven posts 12 spaced apart and extending along a line separating a protected area. Posts 12 are driven into ground 16 using a resonant sonic drilling technique as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/817,857, “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EMPLACING TUBULAR COLUMNS”, filing date 20 Nov. 2017, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/946,091, “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EMPLACING COLUMNS, filing date Apr. 5, 2018, both incorporated herein by reference. By using resonant sonic drilling methods an oscillator is adapted to transmit sinusoidal pressure waves through posts 12 to create a cutting action at a lower end thereof. The pressure waves are typically created by two counter-rotating, offset balance roller weights each having an eccentric axis located in an orbiting mass oscillator. Frequencies close to the natural frequency of post 12 are generated, thereby causing post 12 to vibrate elastically along its longitudinal axis. In the resonant condition, the column stores and releases energy, thereby generating large forces between the lower end and the ground or other substrate.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, posts 12 are preferably modified I-beams including an extra flange forming a slot along a length thereof. Posts 12 includes a conventional I-beam shape having opposed parallel flanges 22 and 24 separated by a web 25. An additional flange 28 extends from web 25 intermediate parallel flanges 22 and 24. Preferably, flange 28 is positioned closer to flange 22, defining a slot 30 between flange 28 and flange 22. Slot 30 extends the length of post 12 and has a width slightly larger than, so as to accommodate, a thickness of panels 18. Panels 18 have a width between edges which span the distance between adjacent driven posts 12. Opposing edges of panels 18 fit within slot 30 of adjacent posts 12. Panels 30 are preferably formed of sheets of metal such as steel like the material of posts 12, but can be formed of other materials such as concrete, wood, composites, plastic and the like. Panels 18 can be held in position by weight of the panels, or by welds, rivets, clips and the like.

Barrier wall 10 is quickly and easily erected by driving posts 12 spaced apart a distance to accommodate the width of panels 18, with slots 30 of adjacent posts 12 aligned with one another. Posts 12 can be driven to a desired depth, such as 6 feet, 8 feet, 10 feet etc., depending on the overall length of the post. For example, a 40 foot in length post can be driven 10 feet deep to leave an overall height of 30 feet. The driven post is secure as driven, and does not require digging a hole, back filling or use of concrete and the like. Panels 18 are then lifted with a lower edge raised above the height of posts 12. The panels are then lowered with the opposing side edges received in slots 30 of adjacent posts 12. Panels 18 are then lowered into position against ground 16 closing the gap between posts. Panels 18 can then be fixed in position such as by welding, adhering, riveting, and the like, or simply left as is with the weight of the panel being sufficient to prevent removal without heavy machinery such as a crane. The lower edge of panels 18 can be fitted against the surface of the ground, or positioned below the surface in a trench.

Referring now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of a post is illustrated. Post 40 has an I-beam shape with opposed parallel flanges 42 and 44 separated by a web 45. Another flange 48 extends from web 45 intermediate parallel flanges 42 and 44 closer to flange 42. In this embodiment, an additional flange 50 extends from web 45 intermediate parallel flanges 42 and 44 closer to flange 44. Preferably, flange 48 is positioned closer to flange 42, defining a slot 52 between flange 48 and flange 42. Slot 52 extends the length of post 40 and has a width slightly larger than a thickness of panels 18. Flange 50 is positioned closer to flange 44, defining a slot 54 between flange 50 and flange 44. Slot 54 extends the length of post 40 and has a width slightly larger than a thickness of panels 18, but different than slot 52. For example, slot 54 can have a width of ½ inch with slot 52 having a width of 1 inch. These widths can be different depending on the thickness of panels used, but allow a single post 40 to accommodate two different width panels.

Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof, which is assessed only by a fair interpretation of the following claims. 

Having fully described the invention in such clear and concise terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same, the invention claimed is:
 1. A barrier wall comprising: a panel having a width extending between a first edge and a second edge; a first post driven into a supporting substrate by resonant sonic drilling; a second post driven into the supporting substrate by resonant sonic drilling, the second post spaced apart from the first post by the width; and the first post and the second post each including an I-beam shape having opposed parallel flanges separated by a web, and an additional flange extending from the web intermediate the opposed parallel flanges to define a slot between the additional flange and one of the opposed parallel flanges; wherein the panel is positioned between the first post and the second post, with the first edge of the panel received in the slot of the first post and the second edge of the panel received in the slot of the second post.
 2. The barrier wall as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: a second panel having a width extending between a first edge and a second edge; and a third post driven into the supporting substrate by resonant sonic drilling, the third post spaced apart from one of the first post and the second post by the width of the second panel; wherein the second panel is positioned between the third post and one of the first post and the second post, with the first edge of the second panel received in the slot of the one of the first post and the second post and the second edge of the panel received in the slot of the third post.
 3. The barrier wall as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and second posts are made of steel.
 4. The barrier wall as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and second posts each further comprising a second additional flange extending from the web intermediate one of the opposed parallel flanges and the additional flange to define a second slot between the second additional flange and one of the opposed parallel flanges.
 5. The barrier wall as claimed in claim 1 wherein the panel has a thickness, and the slot formed in the first post and the second post has a width configured to accommodate the thickness of the panel.
 6. A barrier wall comprising: a plurality of panels each having a width extending between a first edge and a second edge, and a thickness; and a plurality of posts driven into a supporting substrate by resonant sonic drilling, adjacent ones of each of the plurality of posts separated by the width, the plurality of posts extending along a boundary to be protected; each of the plurality of posts including an I-beam shape having opposed parallel flanges separated by a web, and an additional flange extending from the web intermediate the opposed parallel flanges to define a slot between the additional flange and one of the opposed parallel flanges; wherein the plurality of panels is positioned between the plurality of posts, with each of the plurality of panels positioned between different pairs of adjacent posts of the plurality of posts, with the first edge of each of the plurality of panels received in the slot of one of the plurality of posts and the second edge of each of the plurality of panels received in the slot of an adjacent one of the plurality of posts.
 7. The barrier wall as claimed in claim 6 wherein the plurality of posts is made of steel.
 8. The barrier wall as claimed in claim 6 wherein the plurality of panels is made of steel.
 9. The barrier wall as claimed in claim 6 wherein the plurality of posts each further comprising a second additional flange extending from the web intermediate one of the opposed parallel flanges and the additional flange to define a second slot between the second additional flange and one of the opposed parallel flanges.
 10. The barrier wall as claimed in claim 6 wherein the slot formed in each of the plurality of posts has a width configured to accommodate the thickness of each of the plurality of panels.
 11. A method of constructing a barrier wall comprising the steps of: providing a panel having a width extending between a first edge and a second edge; providing a first post including an I-beam shape having opposed parallel flanges separated by a web, and an additional flange extending from the web intermediate the opposed parallel flanges to define a slot between the additional flange and one of the opposed parallel flanges; providing a second post including an I-beam shape having opposed parallel flanges separated by a web, and an additional flange extending from the web intermediate the opposed parallel flanges to define a slot between the additional flange and one of the opposed parallel flanges; driving the first post into the supporting substrate using resonant sonic drilling; driving a second post into the supporting substrate using resonant sonic drilling, the second post spaced apart from the first post by the width of the panel, and with the slot of the first post aligned with the slot of the second post; and lifting the panel to raise a lower edge of the panel above the first post and the second post; and lowering the panel with the first edge of the panel received in the slot of the first post and the second edge of the panel received in the slot of the second post.
 12. The method of constructing a barrier wall as claimed in claim 11 further comprising the step of fixing the panel in position.
 13. The method of constructing a barrier wall as claimed in claim 11 further comprising the steps of: providing a second panel having a width extending between a first edge and a second edge; and providing a third post including an I-beam shape having opposed parallel flanges separated by a web, and an additional flange extending from the web intermediate the opposed parallel flanges to define a slot between the additional flange and one of the opposed parallel flanges; driving the third post into the supporting substrate by resonant sonic drilling, the third post spaced apart from one of the first post and the second post by the width of the second panel; lifting the second panel to raise a lower edge of the second panel above the third post and one of the first post and the second post; and lowering the second panel with the first edge of the second panel received in the slot of one of the first post and the second post, and the second edge of the second panel received in the slot of the third post.
 14. The method of constructing a barrier wall as claimed in claim 13 further comprising the step of fixing the second panel in position. 